What is graffiti?

Graffiti is vandalism, not art. It's a crime.

Graffiti are drawings which are spray painted or handwritten on building walls, dwelling units, or structures that are done without the consent of the private property owner.

Graffiti By-law (March 2009)

A By-law to prohibit graffiti on public and private property and to require public and private property to be kept free of graffiti.

Learn More

Click here for Erase Graffiti Report (June, 2009) on public education campaign and community survey

Click here for Erase Graffiti Brochure

Click here for Erase Graffiti Poster

Click here for A Primer on Graffiti Types

Click here for A Quiz on Graffiti

Click here to learn about How to Get Rid of Graffiti

Click here to learn about What Can I Do?

Examples of Graffiti

Although graffiti may appear to be harmless, it does impact our community in several ways:

• Graffiti will encourage additional graffiti and vandalism in the area where it appears.

• It costs taxpayers money to paint or repair any damage that is caused by graffiti.

• Graffiti will effect the environment as harmful chemicals are released when graffiti is applied or when it is cleaned from structures.

• Graffiti can offend or hurt individuals when it is obscene, racist, or derogatory towards a person or a community. GRAFFITI OF THIS NATURE IS CONSIDERED A HATE CRIME AND SHOULD BE REPORTED TO YORK REGIONAL POLICE AT (905) 881-1221.

The City of Vaughan is responsible for removing graffiti found on all City facilities and on public property within the city road corridors, parks or trail systems. Examples include sidewalks, roads, bridges, traffic signs, and public buildings. City staff will report the graffiti to the appropriate organization if it is found not to be on City "property" (i.e. Canada Post boxes, Powerstream boxes, Bell telephone, Provincial highway bridges and signs), and will coordinate the clean-up with these organizations.

If you want to report any form of graffiti, or you have questions regarding graffiti, please e-mail us at: Works@vaughan.ca or Parks@vaughan.ca.

or, call us at the Graffiti Hotline 

• After hours Hotline - (905) 832-2281 "Press 0"
• Vandalism Hotline - (905) 879-4357

Help us keep Vaughan free from Graffiti!

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